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Short of discovering the means for time travel, the easiest way to enjoy -- and sample the flavor of -- the Victorian era is to head for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk on Sunday, May 5, for a tea party.

Both the setting and the goodies will be authentic and reflect all that is cherished about the English tradition of afternoon tea, according to Marianne Howatson, chairwoman of the Victorian tea committee and publisher of Cottages & Gardens Publications.

"The Victorian tea is so much fun because it provides an experience of another age and another culture," she said.

The era is named for Queen Victoria (1819-1901), monarch of the United Kingdom from 1837 to her death.

"The wonderful Victorian-era Lockwood Mathews Mansion provides the environment, and the ceremony of serving tea in lovely tea china (along with) finger sandwiches and scones with strawberries and cream provides the Old English tradition. Add to that, the musical entertainment ...; it is a delight not to be missed," Howatson said.

Promotion of the afternoon tea tradition is credited to the Duchess of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting, museum staff say, adding that the custom appeals to many Americans -- especially to tea drinkers, history buffs and Anglophiles -- seeking an elegant and charming experience.

The event will be presented by Carol Timpanelli, a tea ceremony expert whose Royal Tea Co. is noted in the region for designing, creating and presenting formal English teas.

The museum's event, described as "family-friendly," will be served in the mansion's rotunda.

Entertainment will be provided by young singer Phoebe Costello, from New York City, who was featured on the studio album of "Handel's Messiah Rocks" (in 2009, along with Bridgeport-reared Tony Award-winner LaChanze) and is a past winner of the American Idol Experience at Disney World.

Event sponsors include AT&T, the Bank of New Canaan, King Industries and Bigelow Tea. Proceeds will be used to support the museum's artistic, cultural and educational programs.

In addition to raising funds for the nonprofit museum, the "mansion's Victorian tea raises awareness for this National Historic Landmark and is an event that people truly look forward to every year. There's certainly not a better place to have fun and enjoy a traditional tea than in the grand architecture of this Victorian-era mansion," Howatson added.

Built between 1864-71, the estate was purchased in 1941 for $170,000 by the city of Norwalk.

The museum has reopened for the warm-weather season; four daily tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., on the hour. Regular admission is $10; $8 for seniors; $6 for those 8-18 years of age.